Wales – Ohio 2018

Click below for information about the Cilcennin Stitchers Exhibition, and the Cilcennin History Exhibition

Cilcennin Stitchers,

Facilitated by textile artist Sonja Turner, the Cilcennin stitchers, now in its third year, is contributing to the Ohio bicentenary celebration with an exciting exhibition of their work at Holy Trinity Church, Cilcennin in June.

Working in different techniques this enthusiastic group, many of whom had no previous experience, have the joy of acquiring new skills as they explore colour, texture, and form. They take inspiration from a variety of sources such as the landscape, wildlife, and at times each other! Gallery visits and shared information have contributed to the Groups growing stature,who meet every other Thursday morning in Cilcennin Village Hall.

The Exhibition at Holy Trinity Church is open fron 11am-6pm, 26 th-27th-28th June 2018.

for further information about the Exhibition and Cilcennin Stitchers contact:

With only 3 months to go before the bi-centenary celebrations next year, we have drawn up a programme of events which will take place between the 22nd and the 30th June 2018. A number of our American cousins are expressing an interest in joining us and the plan is to create a range of events at reasonable prices.

Most of the events arranged will have free admission, and if we have to charge for entry, we will keep this as low as possible. The good news is that over the last few months we have already seen American families make firm accommodation bookings in Ceredigion during the celebration period. They are determined not to miss out!

On our part we will shortly be finalising the programme details, agreeing on venues, and ensuring all the artistes are in place.

A book with numerous interesting articles, written by the descendants of the emigrants will be published in November. The publisher will soon make available an on line application form which will show how our American friends can become underwriters (one Welsh and one English). These applicants will have their names listed in the back of both publications.

Our proposals and plans are at long last falling into place. It would put the icing on the cake if as many of our long distance American cousins as possible join us in 2018.

We are also thrilled to announce that we are working with Aberystwyth based tour operator, Cambria Tours to arrange an exciting 10 day itinerary for our friends and family who wish to join us from North America (please see page 6 & 7 of this leaflet for further detail).

If you want to know more, please contact one of our joint secretaries:

Arwel Jones ja.jones50@btinternet.com

Ray Williams raywilliamsvet@yahoo.co.uk

Proposed Programme of events for the Bi-centenary Celebrations

Friday 22nd June 2018 – A meet and greet to welcome everyone to Ceredigion

Saturday 23rd June – BBQ at Tirbach Farm, Cilcennin ( this was home of John Jones, leader of the original six families who left for Ohio in 1818 ).

Sunday 24th June – A morning service held in a local chapel

Sunday 24th June – An evening Cymanfa Ganu. Hymn singing in the open air on the hills, if weather permits. If not the Cymanfa will be held in a chapel.

Monday 25th – Friday 29th June – Bus Trips to the homes/farms of some of the original emigrants – these trips will also try to include the many exhibitions arranged.

Monday 25th – Saturday 30th – At least four exhibitions will be arranged throughout the area including Cilcennin, Tregaron and Aberaeron.

Monday 25th – Friday 29th June – Informal pub singing get- togethers will be held every night at venues throughout the area.

Wednesday 27th June – Drama of the emigrant stories performed on the quayside in Aberaeron.

Thursday 28th June – Drama of the emigrant stories performed on the quayside in Aberaeron.

Saturday 30th June – Concert. An open air Welsh music/Classical con­cert to celebrate the bi-centenary to be held at Aberaeron.

Saturday 23rd – Saturday 30th June. It is possible that we will have a replica sailing ship in Cardigan Bay next year, with visitors able to enjoy short trips from Aberaeron harbour. This should be a truly spectacular experience.

A little something for our North American family & friends…

Aberystwyth based tour operator Cambria Tours are specialists in Wales, and are working hard on some exiting itineraries for those of you that that intend to visit us for the 2018 celebrations. If you’d be interested in joining this tour, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with them (contact details below).

10 day tour

This tour will take place over the full week of celebrations in the Aberaeron area, including the programme of events and the chance to explore more of the surrounding area. Accommodation, transport & guiding will be included as well as all activities and events arranged during the celebration week (see proposed programme). Some meals will also be included.

Please Note: Transfers to and from airports will not be included but can be arranged.

reservations@cambriatours.co.uk | +44 (0) 1970 631731

Optional Extras during your stay in the Aberaeron area

As part of your itinerary we will include 2 free days for you to relax in the stunning harbour town of Aberaeron, or enjoy your own activities. We will also be offering optional extras – including tracing your family heritage! We work with genealogy experts that can help you research your family history and take you on a tour of where your family came from here in Mid-Wales.

Optional Extensions

We are proposing to arrange a 4 night extension to the main tour, taking in the spectacular sights of North Wales. This can be taken up by a group or on a private basis, with varying costs. If anyone would like an extension in any other area of Wales, this can also be arranged on a private basis.

Let’s visit our North American family & friends…

The Welsh in North America Tour 2018

Cambria Tours are collecting names to see if there is interest in arranging a tour to North America next year. Please contact us for further details and to register your interest.